24 Day Grand Japan

Osaka Kyoto Naruto Takamatsu Matsuyama Beppu Nagasaki Karatsu Fukuoka Hiroshima Miyajima Kurashiki Himeji Kanazawa Shirakawago 24 Day Grand Japan

FROM $6,999 PER PERSON, TWIN SHARE Japan is an amazing country where tradition meets the future. A place where unbelievable skylines are mixed with stunning nature. Discover the Land of the Rising Sun and experience the different sights, food, culture, tradition, heritage, history, people of each places.

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TOUR ITINERARY

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

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DAY 1 Destination Australia  Osaka Meals included Hotel 3  Hotel Links Namba, or similar

Today begins the adventure of a lifetime as you depart for your flight.

DAY 2 Destination Osaka  Kyoto Meals included Breakfast Hotel 4  Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo, or similar

Begin your tour of this beautiful country by heading to Dōtonbori – one of the principal tourist destinations in Osaka where you will be able to see the iconic billboard, the Glico runner crossing the line. From here you will be heading to the Namba-Shinsaibashi area which encompasses the city’s premier shopping districts full of boutiques, designer outlets, restaurants and bars. After exploring this area you will visit the stunning Osaka Castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the sixteenth century. The castle is elaborately fortified and beautifully decorated. In the afternoon, you will continue on to Kyoto and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

Optional Meal - Tofu dinner - Kyoto is famed for its vegetarian cuisine, with the influence of the local monk culture. Tofu is one of the local specialities and can be prepared in a variety of ways - from being eaten with soy sauce and ginger to being fried or boiled with different flavours. It is also one of the most commonly used ingredients in Japanese cuisine.

OPTIONAL INSPIRING SIGHT - TOFU DINNER Kyoto is famed for its vegetarian cuisine, with the influence of the local monk culture. Tofu is one of the local specialities and can be prepared in a variety of ways - from being eaten with soy sauce and ginger to being fried or boiled with different flavours. It is also one of the most commonly used ingredients in Japanese cuisine.

DAY 3 Destination Kyoto Meals included Breakfast Hotel 4  Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo, or similar

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Today you will begin what promises to be a very memorable visit to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan for more than a century. It is a historic, cultural and religious centre of Japan with more than 1600 temples and shrines. Our first sight today will be the Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, constructed in the 17th Century under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The surface area stretches over 275,000 square metres. From here you will be taken to Kinkakuji – the Golden Pavillio, a Zen temple and World Heritage site with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, set within a beautiful, classical Zen garden. The detailed architecture incorporates three distinct architectural styles – Shinden, Samurai, and Zen. Finally, you will visit Arashiyama to see the famous bamboo forest, a nationally designated historic site and a place of serene beauty. The rest of the afternoon will be yours to spend at leisure. You will have the option to visit other famous landmarks, experience a green tea ceremony or walk around wearing a Kimono.

Optional tour - Green Tea ceremony - also called Chado, "the way of tea" is the traditional and ceremonial preparation and presentation of Matcha. You will be shown how to prepare the tea and be able to experience preparing it as well. Your guide will be able to provide you with directions to the venue.

Optional tour - Kimono Fitting - Kimonos are a traditional Japanese garment that were first introduced in Japan in the Heian period. You will be able to rent a Kimono and walk around the traditional streets of Kyoto to take iconic photos. Your guide will be able to provide you wi

OPTIONAL INSPIRING SIGHT - GREEN TEA CEREMONY Also called Chado, "the way of tea" is the traditional and ceremonial preparation and presentation of Matcha. You will be shown how to prepare the tea and be able to experience preparing it as well. Your guide will be able to provide you with directions to the venue.

OPTIONAL TOUR - KIMONO FITTING - KYOTO Kimonos are a traditional Japanese garment that were first introduced in Japan in the Heian period. You will be able to rent a Kimono and walk around the traditional streets of Kyoto to take iconic photos. Your guide will be able to provide you with directions to the venue.

DAY 4 Destination Kyoto  Naruto  Takamatsu Meals included Breakfast Hotel 4  JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu, or similar

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This morning continue your visit of Kyoto by heading to the Fushimi Inari Taisha, shrine of the god Inari - the god of rice. During the Heian Period (794-1185 AD) the shrine was under Imperial Patronnage, before being elevated to the highest rank of Shinto Shrine in 942 AD. It is still to this day one of the most important shrines in Japan and one of the most picturesque with around 10,000 Torii gates. You will then be visiting Heian Jingu, or Heian Shinto Shrine, a replica of an ancient imperial palace and a symbol of the rebirth of Kyoto after World War 2 – the enormous vermillion orange tori gate is unforgettable!

After your visit of Kyoto you will be heading to Naruto to board your Naruto whirlpool cruise. The fascinating tidal whirlpools are unlike anything you've ever seen before. They occur in the Naruto Strait, connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Inland Sea – between the main land Honshu and Shikoku. After your cruise, the day will end with an opportunity to relax at the Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu, one of the most famous historical gardens in Japan – built around the 17th century. It features a tea house, various art exhibits, various bridges, footpaths and hills overlooking a masterfully kept garden.

DAY 5 Destination Takamatsu  Matsuyama  Beppu Meals included Breakfast Hotel 3  Hotel Aile Beppu, or similar

Head to Shikoku Mura, an open air architectural park housing more than twenty buildings dating back to the Edo Period. Have a leisurely stroll around and visit the museum to learn more about the rich history of Japan. Next will be a visit to Matsuyama castle, a flat-land mountain castle that astonishingly remains in its original state – not having been rebuilt like others.

On the way to Beppu – the final destination for today, you will be stopping at Dogo Onsen, believed to be the oldest hot spring in Japan with a history stretching back for more than 1,000 years. It has offered a place of relaxation for many famous Japanese writers and poets over the years, as well as for the Emperor. It is also famous for being the inspiration behind the movie Spirited Away. From here enjoy some leisure time at the hotel in Beppu, soaking in the waters of one of the famous hot springs in Japan.

DAY 6 Destination Beppu  Nagasaki Meals included Breakfast Hotel 3  Hotel Jal City Nagasaki , or similar

The highlight of today will be a visit to the Hells of Beppu in Jigoku. These spectacular hot springs are a sight to behold.

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After your visit, you will continue on to Nagasaki, famous for its cultural and historical heritage, being the birth place of Christianity in Japan, as well as the first point of contact with foreign traders in the 17th century. Begin your visit of the city at the Nagasaki Atomic bomb museum to learn about the devastating effects of the atomic bomb dropped on the city on the 9th of August 1945. The day will finish with a tour of the Suwa shrine, the major Shinto shrine of the city, built in the hopes of preventing the conversion to Christianity that started in the 17th Century.

DAY 7 Destination Nagasaki Meals included Breakfast Hotel 3  Hotel Jal City Nagasaki , or similar

Begin your culturally and historically rich day by paying homage to the victims of the atomic bomb at Nagasaki peace park. From here, head to Dejima, a fan-shaped artificial island built to first constrain and house Portuguese traders and then the Dutch during the 17th century. After that, you will be taken to the magnificent Glover Garden, built in 1863 and known for its famous picturesque garden and western style house, still quite uncommon to this day. Finally, you will visit the oldest church in Japan, built shortly after the end of the seclusion policy in 1853, also known as the Church of the 26 Japanese Martyrs. Throughout your visit in Nagasaki, you will be able to recognize the western influences within the city. Nagasaki was the first city to import Western art, music, religion and food among other things.

DAY 8 Destination Nagasaki  Karatsu  Fukuoka Meals included Breakfast Hotel 4  Hotel New Otani Hakata, or similar

This morning, enjoy a cruise around the fascinating Hashima Island or Gunkanjima, an island 15km from Nagasaki which was once used for coal mining and abandoned in 1974. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today and was featured in a James Bond movie. After heading to Karatsu, visit the intriguing Seven pots caves at Nanatsugama, formed from waves eroding a lava plateau made from Basalt, before passing through Yobuko, a once prosperous whaling base.

DAY 9 Destination Fukuoka  Hiroshima Meals included Breakfast Hotel 4  Oriental Hotel Hiroshima, or similar

Today, head to Hiroshima, a modern city on Japan’s Honshu Island, which was largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. Start your historic visit at the Atomic Dome, originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial

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Promotion Hall and one of the only buildings left standing after the first Atomic bomb was dropped on the 6th August 1945 near the hypocentre. Walk around the peace park that is dedicated to the legacy of Hiroshima as it is the first city to ever suffer a nuclear attack, with an estimated death toll of up to 140,000 people.

Optional Meal - Okonomiyaki. Tonight, you will be able to enjoy an Okonomiyaki dinner. Okonomiyaki is a famous Japanese pancake, famed in Hiroshima for it's layering of ingredients including batter, cabbage and pork to which you can add optional items such as squid, octopus or more vegetables.

OPTIONAL TOUR - OKONOMIYAKI DINNER Tonight, you will be able to enjoy an Okonomiyaki dinner. Okonomiyaki is a famous Japanese pancake, famed in Hiroshima for it's layering of ingredients including batter, cabbage and pork to which you can add optional items such as squid, octopus or more vegetables.

DAY 10 Hiroshima  Miyajima  Hiroshima  Kurashiki  Himeji Destination  Osaka Meals included Breakfast Hotel 3  Hotel Links Namba, or similar

Start your day by boarding a ferry for the short trip to Miyajima. Miyajima is known for its lushious forests and ancient temples. Just offshore, the giant and magnificent orange Great Torii Gate is partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century. You will then be taken to Kurashiki, a city famed for its very traditional, centuries old buildings and for the Bikan Historical Quarter. The famous 'White Heron' Himeji Castle is next, the largest surviving example of a traditional Japanese castle. Comprising 83 buildings, the white roof of this UNESCO-registered complex is said to evoke the wings of a heron taking flight – hence the popular name ‘Shirasagi-jō’ – White Heron Castle.

Optional Meal - Kobe beef dinner - Tonight, enjoy the delicacy of the world's famous Kobe beef. Kobe beef comes from the Tajima strain of the Japanese Black cattle, raised under strict rules in the Hyogo Prefecture. The meat is famous for its flavour, tenderness and marbling.

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OPTIONAL INSPIRING SIGHT - KOBE/WAGYU BEEF DINNER IN OSAKA Tonight, enjoy the delicacy of the world's famous Kobe beef. Kobe beef comes from the Tajima strain of the Japanese Black cattle, raised under strict rules in the Hyogo Prefecture. The meat is famous for its flavour, tenderness and marbling.

DAY 11 Destination Osaka  Kanazawa Meals included Breakfast Hotel 3  Hotel Resol Trinity Kanazawa, or similar

Today will begin with a visit to the stunning Kenrokuen Garden – one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens. Developed over more than 200 years, starting in 1620, the garden contains almost 9,000 trees and 200 plant species. You will also be visiting Nomura House, the historic residence of the Nomura Samurai clan. The house and grounds provide an insight into the lifestyle of the Samurai class during the 16-19th centuries. They feature beautiful architecture, gardens and décor including intricately painted screen doors. Your day will end at the Higashi Chaya District, a Geisha district. Geisha are Japanese women who study the traditional arts, dance, songs and games. The tradition still continues to this day, with women having to go through years of training to be able to entertain guests with various traditional arts.

DAY 12 Destination Kanazawa  Shirakawago  Takayama  Nagano Meals included Breakfast Hotel 3  Nagano Tokyu Rei Hotel, or similar

This morning you will be travelling to Shirakawago Village, a World Heritage site where 114 Gassho-style houses with steeply-pitched roofs in the shape of a triangle. Built many hundreds of years ago, these historic houses stand together in a beautiful natural setting. From here you will head to Takayama’s Old Town, a wonderfully well-preserved slice of old Japan, with houses and shops dating back to the Edo period (1600-1868). As well as the charming architecture, there are unique cafes and a number of old saké breweries.

DAY 13 Destination Nagano  Matsumoto  Mt Fuji  Hakone Meals included Breakfast, Dinner Hotel 3  Hakone Pax Yoshino, or similar

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After breakfast you will be heading to Matsumoto where you will visit Matsumoto Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle’ due to its dramatic black exterior. The Keep, completed around 1593, is listed as a National Treasure of Japan. From here you will continue to the Mt Fuji 5th station above the clouds, where you will view the sacred mountain’s enormous summit (if weather permits). Mt Fuji is the tallest mountain of Japan and an active volcano, peaking at 3,776 meters high. It is one of the most iconic sights of Japan. Late in the afternoon you will arrive in Hakone and stay in a traditional Japanese hot spring ryokan, where you will be able to enjoy the famous Kaiseki cuisine – a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, before soaking into the hot springs to relax.

DAY 14 Destination Hakone  Tokyo Meals included Breakfast Hotel 3  Hotel Rose Garden Shinjuku, or similar

Start your day with a visit to the Hakone open air museum to view various arts and sculptures on exhibit. Then, head to Lake Ashi for a scenic boat ride. The lake sits within Mount Hakone and is famed for its views of Mount Fuji. Boats inspired by western warships cruise the breathtaking lake and the picturesque forested surrounding it has been popular for hikers and sightseers for centuries. After this you will be boarding the innovative bullet train – the famous Shinkansen – running at speeds up to 320 km/h. It is also known for its punctuality down to the second, its comfort with only forward facing seats and its safety.

DAY 15 Destination Tokyo Meals included Breakfast Hotel 3  Hotel Rose Garden Shinjuku, or similar

Today enjoy a full-day coach tour of Tokyo, the capital city and world’s most populated megalopolis – the Tokyo metropolitan area spreads over 3 prefectures with 38 million habitants. You will begin with a visit of the outer fish market, the world’s biggest wholesale fish market and the largest wholesale food market in the world. Next you will visit Asakusa district and Senso-ji Temple. This is Tokyo’s oldest temple and is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. On the approach to Senso-ji is Nakamise Shopping Street, a centuries-old promenade of shops selling traditional snacks and souvenirs like kimonos and bottles of saké. A visit to the Tokyo Skytree will follow. Opened in May 2012, the Skytree is a television and radio broadcast site and contains a restaurant and two viewing platforms. At 634m, this is the 2nd-tallest structure in the world! Finish your day at the Imperial palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Built on the site of the old Edo castle, it is surrounded by large park areas, moats and massive stone walls.

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DAY 16 Destination Tokyo  Nikko Meals included Breakfast Hotel 3  Kinugawa Plaza Hotel, or similar

We'll leave Tokyo and head north for Nikko today, one of Japan's most famous mountain towns.

First stop is the Nikko Toshugo shrine (ticket included). Enclosed in dense forest and hailed as Japan’s most lavish shrine, it's the final resting place of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Most of the shrine complex was rebuilt in the 17th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.

Nikko is home to 48 beautiful waterfalls, the most famous of which is your next stop, Kegon Waterfall, which stands almost 100 metres tall. Entry is included. Then it's onto nearby Lake Chuzenji, at the foot of Nikko's sacred volcano Mount Nantai. The best way to see Lake Chuzenji is by boat, and you'll enjoy the spectacular scenery on your cruise (ticket included) no matter the season, but especially in autumn.

DAY 17 Destination Nikko  Niigata Meals included Breakfast Hotel 4  Hotel Nikko Niigata, or similar

Spend your day free at leisure.

DAY 18 Destination Niigata  Sado Island  Niigata Meals included Breakfast Hotel 4  Hotel Nikko Niigata, or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, it's time to board the ferry to Sado Island, which lies about 50km off the coast of Niigata prefecture. Your ferry trip is included along with entry to the Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park, the ruins of a former gold mine. Visit the museum, learn about the gold mining process and even try panning for gold yourself.

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You'll board the ferry back and have the rest of the evening to yourself.

DAY 19 Destination Niigata  Hakusan Island  Akita Meals included Breakfast Hotel 4  Hotel Metropolitan Akita, or similar

You'll discover what's so lovely about the north-west Honshu coastline today, departing after breakfast for Hakusan Island, located by the beautiful seaside town of Tsuruoka. We'll drive over the distinct red bridge to see this small island, said to have been created as a result of volcanic eruptions.

A visit to Zenpoji Temple in Tsuruoka is an 800-year-old temple with amazing buildings, gardens, and a five-storied pagoda that honours all the creatures of the sea, the only one of its kind in Japan.

Finally, finish your day with a visit to the Akita prefectural museum before heading back to the hotel.

DAY 20 Destination Akita  Aomori Meals included Breakfast Hotel 4  Hotel JAL City Aomori, or similar

More of Japan's natural beauty awaits today – after breakfast we'll head to Shirakami Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the mountains of northern Honshu. These forests are an untouched treasure, home to rare animals and plants, and they also include the last virgin beech forests in Japan.

Then it's onto Aomori to see Sannai-Maruyama, one of Japan's largest historical sites consisting of remains of human settlement from approximately 5500 years ago. Accidentally discovered in 1992, it's one of the most complete and best- preserved Jomon Period (13000-300 BC) villages in Japan.

A visit to Tsugara Shamisen Hall is a great place to learn about Japan's very own stringed instrument, the shamisen. Here you can learn about the origins and history of the instrument and Tsugaru folk songs - and even hear a live Tsugara shamisen performance.

Back to the hotel, the rest of the night is yours to explore Aomori or get some rest.

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DAY 21 Destination Aomori  Hakodate Meals included Breakfast, Dinner Hotel 3  Hotel Banso Hakodate, or similar

After breakfast, we'll take the ferry to Hakodate (ticket included). The first sight on this tour is the Hakodate ropeway (ticket included), an aerial lift that climbs Mount Hakodate. It takes about three minutes and on a nice day the views are lovely across the city.

The next stop is Goryokaku Tower (ticket included). At 107 metres high, its observatory decks command the entire view of Goryokaku Park. Enjoy seeing the famous star-shaped fort, Mount Hakodate and the Yokotsu mountain range. The tower is one of Hokkaido's top cherry blossom viewing spots in springtime.

The day ends with dinner at your hotel.

DAY 22 Destination Hakodate  Sapporo Meals included Breakfast Hotel 4  Sapporo Excel Hotel Tokyu, or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll head to Sapporo and start with Odori Park, a popular picnic and relaxation spot in the centre of the city. A popular spot year-round, it's about 1.5km east to west (12 blocks) and the site for major events like the Snow Festival in winter.

Sapporo is also home to the Historic Village of Hokkaido, an open-air museum featuring historical buildings to show Hokkaido as it was in the Meiji and Taisho eras. The village is divided into four sections: a city area, farm village, fishing village and mountain village. There is a horse-drawn trolley in summer and horse-drawn sled in winter.

We'll then visit the red-light district of Susukino, a haven for food, shopping and entertainment. It's positively buzzing, with neon signs, noise and nightlife.

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DAY 23 Destination Sapporo  Australia Meals included Breakfast Hotel N/A

You’ll be taken to the airport for your flight home today.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary adventure.

DAY 24 Destination  Australia Meals included Hotel N/A

Arrive home today.

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Inclusions

WHAT'S INCLUDED Return international airfares with Cathay Pacific Return airport transfers 22 nights in quality 3 to 4-star accommodation throughout Daily Breakfast, 2 dinners including one authentic Kaiseki dinner In Depth sightseeing including all entry fees from Kyushu to Hokkaido Ride the iconic Japanese bullet train The services of a professional English-speaking guide throughout In-depth sightseeing & all entry fees as per the itinerary Dedicated private transportation throughout Tipping

SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS Osaka - Visit the Osaka castle Osaka - Stroll through Dotombori - Shinsaibashi area Kyoto - Admire its most famous shrines - Kinkakuji, Heian Jingu, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Kyoto - Walk through the famous bamboo forest at Arashiyama Naruto - Observe the whirlpools in the Naruto Strait Takamatsu - Ritsurin garden Takamatsu - Shikoku Mura Matsuyama - Visit the Matsuyama castle Matsuyama - Feel the history of the oldest hot springs in Japan - Dogo Onsen Beppu - Soak & relax in the hot springs Nagasaki - Discover the devastating effects of the atomic bomb at the Atomic Bomb Museum Nagasaki - See how western influence started in Japan at Dejima Nagasaki - Glover Garden Nagasaki - Oura Church Nagasaki - Gunkan island cruise Karatsu - Visit the beautiful sights of Nanatsugama and Yobuko Hiroshima - Pay tribute to the victims of the Atomic bomb at the peace park Hiroshima - Witness history at the Atomic Dome Miyajima - Itsukushima shrine and Torii gate Himeji - Walk around the 'White Heron' Himeji Castle Kanazawa - View the famous Kenruoken Garden Kanazawa - Slip into the past at the Higashi Chaya District Shirakawago - Admire the 114 Gasho-style houses Takayama - Visit the Takayama old town

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Matsumoto - Matsumoto Castle Mt Fuji - Enjoy the view from the 5th Station Hakone - Cruise on the Lake Ashi Tokyo - Explore the new and traditional in Asakusa Tokyo - Climb the Tokyo Sky Tree Tokyo - Imperial Palace Tokyo - Tsukiji outer fish market Nikko - Visit the final resting place of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, the Toshogu Shrine Nikko - View the beautiful Kegon waterfall Sado Island - Sado Gold park Tsuruoka - Admire the 800 year old Zenpoji Temple Akita - Akita prefectural museum Aomori - Enjoy the peaceful nature at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakami Sanchi Aomori - Sannai Maruyama Aomori - Take the ferry through the Tsugaru strait to Hakodate Hakodate - Ride on the Hakodate Ropeway Hakodate - Goryokaku Tower Sapporo - Odori Park Sapporo - Take a stroll at the open air museum of the Historic Village of Hokkaido Sapporo - Susukino

Fine Print

DEPOSIT & PAYMENT Secure your package with a deposit of $500 per person.

Pay a 2nd instalment of $3000 per person within 28 days.

You will then be invoiced for final payment 90 days prior to departure.

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BOOKING PROCESS Select the purple 'Sign Up For Full Details' tab to begin your booking (you must sign up first by enterting your email and creating a password) Then select the purple 'Book now' tab Select your Departure Date, Departure City, number of Passengers, Room Configuration, and enter any Special Requests Click the purple ‘Proceed to secure checkout' tab Enter your credit card or Paypal details to secure your deposit/payment Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a booking form so that we can fulfil your booking Your booking is confirmed once your booking form is submitted and you can begin the countdown to your Inspiring Vacation!

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HOW TO EXTEND YOUR STAY Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre and/or post tour. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps to initiate your request: 1. Follow the ‘book now’ prompts after signing up, until you reach the "Special Requests" field 2. Here, please specify your preferred flight arrangements and if you require additional accommodation, with the number of nights needed. 3. After finalising your purchase and submitting your booking form, a member of our team will be in contact with you via email to verify your request.

Please note a $150 per person supplement plus any applicable fare and tax difference applies to deviate from the standard itinerary. You will be contacted via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, with the additional payment required to confirm your request.

All additional accommodation and sightseeing is at your own arrangement, or alternatively we can offer the following rates:

Pre-tour accommodation (Osaka): $370 per room per night (single or double/twin) including breakfast Post-tour accommodation (Sapporo): $370 per room per night (single or double/twin) including breakfast

Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. Transfers in Japan can be expensive, it is easiest and most cost effective to take a taxi/Uber.

If you have chosen to deviate your stay or if you have requested specific flights that do not match the group arrival and departure times, you will forfeit the airport transfer services. For this package, we cannot offer a private airport transfer service for you, therefore you will be required to make your own way from & to the airport at your own expense. You may choose to book a shared transfer service independently, get a taxi on arrival or travel by train. For advice, you may speak to your Dedicated Support Agent.

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AIRFARE INFORMATION Full service airline used will be Cathay Pacific (or similar if unavailable) Flights will require a minimum of 1 transit (maximum 2) All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage. Despite the airlines baggage allowance, we recommend travelling with 20 kilos per person due to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Also, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters is not included. If travelling over this amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable direct. Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable. Any changes will be subject to the airline rules & change fees Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control. Any airline 'extras' such as pre-allocated seating are at your own arrangement (additional charges apply)

PREMIUM ECONOMY OR Premium Economy upgrade available from an additional $2,000 per person (subject to BUSINESS CLASS UPGRADES availability).

Business Class upgrade available from an additional $4,500 per person (subject to availability).

Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.

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LAND-ONLY DISCOUNT A $700 per person reduction from the twin share price applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. Should you wish to purchase land only, please select this option in the booking process, under 'Departure City'.

OPTIONAL TOURS You may purchase the following optional programs up until 6 weeks prior to departure to enrich your experience.

Green Tea Ceremony (Kyoto): $45 per person Kimono fitting (Kyoto): $55 per person Kobe beef dinner (Osaka): $65 per person Okonomiyaki dinner (Hiroshima): $45 per person Tofu dinner (Kyoto): $45 per person

Any additional costs incurred will be added to the final balance of your booking.

Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.

Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.

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EXCLUSIONS Visas Travel insurance (compulsory) Anything not mentioned in the itinerary Optional activities Personal expenses

ACCOMMODATION The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Single supplement is $2,699 per person in addition to the twin share price.

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PAIRED SOLO TRAVELLERS This package allows you to avoid paying a single supplement by booking as a Paired Solo Traveller

All bookings must be arranged over the phone by calling 1300 88 66 88.

Regardless of whether an accompanying solo traveller is found, you are guaranteed to travel at no additional cost.

Solo travellers are matched only on the basis of gender and not on other factors such as age, nationality, religion or sexuality. We kindly ask that you disclose any requirements, medical or otherwise, that might disturb your matched traveller’s sleep (e.g. sleep apnoea or a CPAP machine). Unfortunately, in the other traveller’s interests, we request that you proceed with your own private room with the resulting single supplement. Should a second solo traveller not be available, you are nonetheless guaranteed to travel at no extra cost and you will be placed into a single, twin share or double room by yourself. Your tour group may include multiple solo travellers who may or may not be paired. No changes will be permitted to any pairing arrangements.

Note that for some portions of some itineraries, you may not be with a larger group. Some packages may operate on groups as small as two and there may therefore be time spent travelling only with your paired traveller. Should a package require a minimum number of 2 travellers and you are not paired, your booking may be cancelled.

You will be introduced to your matched solo traveller at the beginning of your itinerary and your personal details will not be shared as per our Privacy Policy. Should there be any dissatisfaction with your matched traveller, unfortunately we are unable to make any changes to your room arrangements or offer any refund. Inspiring Vacations takes no responsibility for and will not be held liable for any dissatisfaction with the matched traveller or for their actions.

All departures remain strictly subject to availability and may sell out prior to your tentative booking being confirmed, in which case the fee will be refunded in full. All other booking terms apply.

TRIPLE SHARE Not available.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 20 TOUR ITINERARY

GROUP SIZE 20-40 people

CHILDREN Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.

TRAVEL INSURANCE Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.

We have partnered with QBE Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover, earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points and save 25% on retail rates.

Simply click HERE to arrange your policy.

VISA & PASSPORT INFORMATION It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return to Australia.

Australian passport holders do not require a visa for travel to Japan, for less than 90 days.

Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements. Visas should not be applied for until you receive your final documentation.

OTHER INFORMATION Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel. The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 21